Adjuvants and Methods of Using Them

ABSTRACT

Described herein are compositions comprising an acidifier intermixed with an emulsifier and a co-surfactant that form stable microemulsions in water. Also described are methods of dispersing a compound in an aqueous solution using the compositions of the present invention.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/889,422, filed Feb. 12, 2007, the contents of the entirety of whichare incorporated by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is directed towards a process for producing bio-based andbiodegradable microemulsions comprising agricultural adjuvants,compositions and uses thereof. The invention also relates to methods ofusing such microemulsions to disperse a compound in water.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,434 describes non-aqueous emulsifiable concentratesfor herbicidally active compounds which contain alkyl pheonxyalkanoatesand benzene sulfonate. However, these compounds have environmentalimplications and use aromatic compounds such as benzene sulfonate.Similarly, patent application WO 98/48624 describes an ethoxylated nonylphenol phosphate ester as an anionic surfactant. However, nonyl phenolis classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an “inertof toxicological concern” that must be identified on pesticide labels.Nonyl phenol esters may damage the environment due to their capabilityto form toxic metabolites and their use is not favored due to theirsuspected estrogenic activity.

Thus, a need exists for a bio-based adjuvant system that does notcontain nonyl phenol ethoxylates or other aromatic compounds that haveenvironmental implications, yet provides the desired dispersabilitycharacteristics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention fulfills this need and discloses environmentallyfriendly adjuvants and/or surfactants.

In one embodiment, a composition comprises an acidifier, an emulsifier,a co-surfactant and water.

In another embodiment, a process comprises mixing an emulsifier with aco-surfactant, thus forming a blend, and mixing an acidifier and waterwith the blend, thus forming an adjuvant composition.

In an additional embodiment, a composition comprises propionic acid, anemulsifier, vegetable fatty acids, water and a compound selected fromthe group consisting of sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene ester ofrosin, polyoxyethylene dodecyl mono ether,polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, polyoxyethylenemonolaurate, polyoxyethylene monohexadecyl ether, polyoxyethylenemonooleate, polyoxyethylene mono(cis-9-octadecenyl)ether,polyoxyethylene monostearate, polyoxyethylene monooctadecyl ether,polyoxyethylene dioleate, polyoxyethylene distearate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate,polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan tristearate, polyglycerol ester of oleic acid, polyoxyethylenesorbitol hexastearate, polyoxyethylene monotetradecyl ether,polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate, fatty acids, tall-oil, hexaesterwith sorbitol, ethoxylated castor oil, ethoxylated soybean oil,ethoxylated polyoxyethylene sorbitol tetraoleate, fatty acids, mixedesters with glycerol and polyethylene glycol, alcohols, C9-C16ethoxylated derivatives of any thereof, and combinations of any thereof.

In yet a further embodiment, a composition consists essentially of anacidifier, an emulsifier, a co-surfactant and water.

Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art form and from the descriptions, which follow herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-5 represent results of various studies performed on oneembodiment of an adjuvant composition of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Adjuvants and surfactants are spray solution additives and areconsidered to be any product added to an agrochemical solutionincluding, but not limited to, biocides, pesticides, herbicides,fungicides, and miticides to improve the performance of a spray solutioncontaining the agrochemical solution. Examples of adjuvants include, butare not limited to, compatibility agents (used to aid mixing two or moreherbicides in a common spray solution), drift retardants (used todecrease the potential for herbicide drift), suspension aids (used toaid mixing and suspending herbicide formulations in solution), spraybuffers (used to change the spray solution acidity), and surfactants.

Because post emergence herbicide effectiveness is greatly influenced byplant factors such as age, size and the growing conditions of the plantencountered before application, herbicide performance can vary. One wayto minimize the variations in post emergence herbicide performance is touse an adjuvant or surfactant in the spray solution. Adjuvants generallyimprove the effectiveness of post emergence herbicides.

An adjuvant is any additive used in conjunction with a pesticide toincrease biological activity and/or to modify various physicalproperties of a spray solution containing the biocide, fungicide,nematicide, herbicide, pesticide, insecticide or combination of anythereof. Adjuvants and surfactants are added to spray solutions toimprove the performance of crop protection compounds (herbicides).Adjuvants also play a key role in controlling the variables including,but not limited to, pesticide stability, solubility, compatibility,penetration, spreading, wetting, coverage, and drift. Surfactants act asan adjuvant that reduces surface tension between the spray solutiondroplets and the pest target's surface, thus, providing greatercoverage.

Surfactants are added to oil adjuvants as emulsifiers to obtain an evendistribution of the adjuvant in water. In one embodiment, the adjuvantscan affect herbicide performance in many ways such as the spread ofspray droplets on the leaf surface, the retention of spray droplets onthe leaf, and penetration of the herbicide in the spray droplet throughthe plant cuticle. Surfactants form a “bridge” between chemicals thatdon't mix such as, for example, water and oil or water and the wax on aleaf surface. Surfactants lower the surface tension of spray droplets ofthe herbicide during application and allow for more complete spraycoverage and sticking of the herbicide on the plant surface of thedroplets. Some herbicides may also contain fatty acids to furtherimprove herbicide retention and penetration. When there are many cationspresent in the water, as is the case with hard water, the cationsincluding, without limitation, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesiumcan react with the herbicide, thus decreasing the uptake andeffectiveness of the herbicide. For instance, a high level of calcium inwater (hard water) reduces the control efficacy of glyphosates.Similarly, sodium bicarbonate reduces the efficacy of sethoxydim. Awater conditioner, such as ammonium sulfate (which has utility as anitrogen fertilizer) can negate this effect for glyphosate andsethoxydim. Also, herbicides are generally applied with fertilizers orfertilizer solutions, especially in agricultural settings. Compatibilityagents are used to keep these herbicides in suspension. Most herbicidescan be applied in nitrogen solutions without any compatibility problems,but compatibility may be poor when water contains high levels of varioussalts (hard water), or when the water is very cold.

In one embodiment, an adjuvant microemulsion that is based onbio-degradable and bio-renewable ingredients that can be easily mixedwith a biological or chemical agent such as a biocide, fungicide,nematacide, herbicide, pesticide or insecticide that is to be dispersedin water prior to application is disclosed. In another embodiment, amethod is described for mixing a composition comprising an acidifier,lecithin, water and a co-surfactant in water, dispersing the compositionin water and applying the dispersed composition to soil.

Also, yet another embodiment of this invention describes a process forproducing a microemulsion by mixing lecithin with a surfactant, thusforming a lecithin co-surfactant blend, and mixing an acidifier with thelecithin co-surfactant blend in presence of water, thus forming anadjuvant system. One aspect of this embodiment describes using vegetablefatty acids, soy fatty acids, derivatives of any thereof, andcombinations of any thereof as additional components of the adjuvantsystem.

In another embodiment, a microemulsion comprising an acidifier,lecithin, water and a compound selected from the group consisting oftriglycerides, diglycerides, sugar alcohols, ethoxylated monoglycerides,fatty acid ethoxylates, sorbitan monoester, polyoxyethylene alkylethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, sorbitan alkyl esters,polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters, glycerol esters, short chainfatty alcohols, acids, esters, glycerols, glycols, derivatives of anythereof, and combinations of any thereof is disclosed.

In another embodiment, a microemulsion comprising an acidifier,lecithin, water and a compound selected from the group consisting ofsorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene ester of rosin, polyoxyethylenedodecyl mono ether, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer,polyoxyethylene monolaurate, polyoxyethylene monohexadecyl ether,polyoxyethylene monooleate, polyoxyethylenemono(cis-9-octadecenyl)ether, polyoxyethylene monostearate,polyoxyethylene monooctadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene dioleate,polyoxyethylene distearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolauratepolyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate, polyglycerolester of oleic acid, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexastearate,polyoxyethylene monotetradecyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitolhexaoleate, fatty acids, hexaester with sorbitol, ethoxylated castoroil, ethoxylated soybean oil, ethoxylated polyoxyethylene sorbitoltetraoleate, fatty acids, tall-oil, mixed esters with glycerol andpolyethylene glycol, alcohols, C9-16 and ethoxylated derivatives of anythereof, and combinations of any thereof is disclosed.

In yet other embodiments, adjuvant systems including micro emulsionsthat may be applied as fertilizer concentrates, in bioremediationapplications, in biocide applications and as water conditioning agentsare disclosed. One aspect of this embodiment describes the use ofbio-based and bio-renewal components for preparing such adjuvantsystems.

Microemulsions are clear, isotropic, thermodynamically stable liquidmixtures including oil, water and a surfactant. The water phase maycontain salt(s) and/or other ingredients. Micro emulsions may beprepared from a large number of components. In contrast to ordinaryemulsions, micro emulsions form upon simple mixing of the components anddo not require high shear conditions. In ternary systems, such as microemulsions, where two immiscible phases (water and ‘oil’) are presentnext to the surfactant phase, the surfactant molecules form a monolayerat the interface between oil and water, with the hydrophobic tails ofthe surfactant molecules dissolved in the oil phase and the hydrophilichead groups in the aqueous phase. Comparable to the binary systems(water/surfactant or oil/surfactant), self-assembled structures ofdifferent morphologies can be obtained ranging from (inverted) sphericaland cylindrical micelles to lamellar phases and bi-continuousmicroemulsions. A water-in-oil microemulsion is an optically transparentmixture including oil, water, and surfactant. Water droplets are in acontinuous oil phase stabilized by surfactant.

In one embodiment, an adjuvant system is a microemulsion and may be usedas a surfactant to enhance the activity and effectiveness ofagricultural chemicals, such as herbicides, defoliants, desiccants,plant growth regulators, insecticides, fungicides, foliar nutrients,acaracides, and combinations of any thereof. The adjuvant systemprovides more uniform coverage by decreasing surface tension of spraysolutions, thus, aiding in penetration. The adjuvant system may also beused as an acidifying agent to lower pH of spraying solutions, thus,preventing alkaline hydrolysis of pesticides sensitive to high pH.

In one embodiment, a lecithin co-surfactant blend is produced. Such ablend is produced by blending lecithin with a surfactant having a HLB inthe range of about 10.0 to 18.0, optionally, in the presence of aco-solvent including, but not limited to, short chain fatty alcohols,acids, ester, glycerols, glycols or any combinations thereof. Theco-surfactant blend may include ethoxylated monoglycerides or fatty acidethoxylate, soybean oil, propylene glycol or any combination thereof.Several surfactants may be used for the blend such as, for example,polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, sorbitan alkyl esters, polyoxyethylenesorbitan alkyl esters, glycerol esters, sugar esters, poly-glycerolesters, derivatives of any thereof or combinations of any thereof. Inanother embodiment, surfactants which have HLB value of 12 to 16 may beused. The surfactant blend may be produced by mixing lecithin, such asfor example fluidized lecithin, crude lecithin, de-oiled lecithin or anycombination thereof, with a composition containing the surfactants andco-solvents. In one embodiment, the range of such blends may compriselecithin in a concentration of between about 50 percent by weight toabout 90 percent by weight with the remainder of the blend comprising aco-surfactant.

The lecithin co-surfactant blend may be intermixed with an acidifier inpresence of water to produce an adjuvant system. In one embodiment,levels of such blends that may be used are between about 30 percent toabout 45 percent by weight of the acidifier in water, wherein theacidifier in water is added to the lecithin co-surfactant blend.

The lecithin co-surfactant blend or the adjuvant system with thelecithin co-surfactant may be achieved by a variety of techniquesincluding, but not limited to, blending, mixing, shear mixing,turbulizing, stirring, homogenizing or any combinations thereof. In oneembodiment, mixing times that may be used for producing these blends maybe at least 30 minutes. In another embodiment, a time period of about 30minutes to about 3 hours at temperatures sufficient to produce uniformmixing may also be used. In one embodiment, temperatures between 25° C.to 60° C. may be used. Such conditions are a result of cause variableeffect and may be optimized based on the type and concentrations ofco-surfactants used to produce the blends.

The co-surfactant used may also contain propylene glycol, ethyleneglycol, glycerol, short chain fatty acids, esters or any combinationsthereof. The glycols or glycerol used herein may be of a bio-basedorigin. Various embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to abiobased glycerol, a biobased propylene glycol and a biobased ethyleneglycol that are traditionally derived from petrochemical sources. Inparticular, biobased propylene glycol and biobased ethylene glycol canbe produced by hydrogenolysis of polyols derived from biological sources(i.e., bioderived). The product mixture from the hydrogenolysis ofbioderived polyols and the products produced therefrom may bedifferentiated from petroleum derived products, for example, by theircarbon isotope ratios using ASTM International Radioisotope StandardMethod D 6866. As used herein, the term “bioderived” means derived fromor synthesized by a renewable biological feedstock, such as, forexample, an agricultural, forestry, plant, bacterial, or animalfeedstock.

In one embodiment, the adjuvant system may be a microemulsion comprisinga first ingredient and at least one other secondary ingredient. In oneembodiment, the first ingredient may be an acidifier. In variousembodiment, the secondary ingredients may be at least one of thefollowing compounds: an emulsifier, a co-surfactant, a vegetable fattyacid, a soy fatty acid, alcohols, acids, esters, glycerols, glycols,water, derivatives of any thereof, or combinations of any thereof. Inanother embodiment, the adjuvant system is intermixed with a biologicalagent, a chemical agent or a fertilizer to enhance its applicationproperties to plant or soil material.

In one embodiment, the first ingredient may be an acidifier such as, forexample, propionic acid or any other effective acidifier agent. Certainaspects of this embodiment may use any other suitable acid including,but not limited to, methyl acetic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid,fumaric acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid, ascorbic acid or anycombination there of as the acidifier agent.

Other embodiments use secondary ingredients such as vegetable fattyacids (e.g., soy fatty acids), derivatives of any thereof andcombinations of any thereof. Any suitable plant based fatty acidsincluding, without limitation, butyric acid, caproic acid, caprylicacid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearicacid, arachic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, hexacosanoic acid,octacosanoic acid, triacontanoic acid and n-dotriacontanoic acid, andthose having an odd number of carbon atoms, such as propionic acid,n-valeric acid, enanthic acid, pelargonic acid, hendecanoic acid,tridecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, nonadecanoicacid, heneicosanoic acid, tricosanoic acid, pentacosanoic acid,heptacosanoic acid, isobutyric acid, isocaproic acid, isocaprylic acid,isocapric acid, isolauric acid, 11-methyldodecanoic acid, isomyristicacid, 13-methyl-tetradecanoic acid, isopalmitic acid,15-methyl-hexadecanoic acid, isostearic acid, 17-methyloctadecanoicacid, isoarachic acid, 19-methyl-eicosanoic acid, a-ethyl-hexanoic acid,a-hexyldecanoic acid, a-heptylundecanoic acid, 2-decyltetradecanoicacid, 2-undecyltetradecanoic acid, 2-decylpentadecanoic acid,2-undecylpentadecanoic acid, Fine oxocol 1800 acid (product of NissanChemical Industries, Ltd.), 6-methyl-octanoic acid, 8-methyl-decanoicacid, 10-methyl-dodecanoic acid, 12-methyl-tetradecanoic acid,14-methyl-hexadecanoic acid, 16-methyl-octadecanoic acid,18-methyl-eicosanoic acid, 20-methyl-docosanoic acid,22-methyl-tetracosanoic acid, 24-methyl-hexacosanoic,26-methyloctacosanoic acid including 4-decenoic acid, caproleic acid,4-dodecenoic acid, 5-dodecenoic acid, lauroleic acid, 4-tetradecenoicacid, 5-tetradecenoic acid, 9-tetradecenoic acid, palmitoleic acid,6-octadecenoic acid, oleic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid, 11-octadecenoicacid, 9-eicosenoic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid, cetoleic acid,13-docosenoic acid, 15-tetracosenoic acid, 17-hexacosenoic acid,6,9,12,15-hexadecatetraenoic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid (18:3n3), gamma linolenic acid (18:3 n6), α-eleostearic acid, gadoleic acid(20:1), α-eleostearic acid, punicic acid, 6,9,12,15-octadecatetraenoicacid, parinaric acid, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid, erucic acid,5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 7,10,13,16,19-docosapentaenoicacid, 4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), α-hydroxylauric acid,α-hydroxymyristic acid, α-hydroxypalmitic acid, α-hydroxystearic acid,ω-hydroxylauric acid, α-hydroxyarachic acid, 9-hydroxy-12-octadecenoicacid, ricinoleic acid, α-hydroxybehenic acid,9-hydroxy-trans-10,12-octadecadienic acid, kamolenic acid, ipurolicacid, 9,10-dihydroxystearic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, oxalic acid,citric acid, phosphoric acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaricacid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacicacid, D,L-malic acid, or combinations of any thereof and the like may beused.

In other embodiments, the secondary ingredients may be dissolved inwater. Generally, the microemulsion adjuvant compositions are providedseparately and a penetrant (such as a co-surfactant) is combined whenused. The final compositions may be diluted in water and sprayed orpoured onto the soil. In one embodiment, ingredients may be present inone phase for ease of use and are ready to deliver to the soil bydiluting with water. In one embodiment, concentrations of the firstingredient in the aqueous solution may range from 0.1 to 20 percent. Itwill be apparent by those of ordinary skill in the art that thepercentages and methods used for application will vary with the type ofcrop, type of control desired, and/or other conditions and may beoptimized using routine experimentation. The co-surfactants used mayalso include without limitation, for example, polyoxyethylenederivatives of sorbitan monoester, such as a polyethylene oxide ofsorbitan fatty acid esters (e.g., sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitanmonooleate, sorbitan monostearate). These compounds are available underthe trade name of “TWEEN” of Uniqema Company (a Delaware Corporation)such as TWEEN 60 or TWEEN 80. Any other suitable surfactant in thedesired HLB range may be used. Such surfactants are available fromnumerous suppliers such as, for example, BASF (Florham Park, N.J.),Lonza (Allendale, N.J.), Stepan (Northfield, Ill.), Kerry (Beloit,Wis.).

In another embodiment, mixed surfactants (surfactant mixtures) in thegiven HLB range of 10-18 may be used to enhance the solubilizationproperties of the adjuvant system, which could be used to improve theefficacy and penetration of the herbicide.

Another embodiment of the invention enables the use of hard (e.g., well)water for applying a herbicide to soil. Dispersibility of thecomposition of the present invention in hard water is important becauseof the cost associated with treating water to reduce its hardness. Wellwater high in mineral (e.g., calcium, magnesium and iron) content mayalso be used. The adjuvant system described herein, upon mixing with theherbicide may be used at rates such as from about 6 pounds per acre toabout 300 pounds per acre upon dilution in water. In certainembodiments, the adjuvant system may be used at rates of one pound peracre or less depending upon the amount necessary to attain effectivecontrol by any application technique in which the adjuvant system andbiocides are brought in mutual contact, such as to the foliage of theplant or grass, to the soil itself, or other plant pest desired to becontrolled.

In another embodiment, the compositions of the present invention may beused in conjunction with various organic fertilizers such as thosedescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/549,470 filed Oct. 13,2006, entitled “Fertilizer Compositions and Methods of Using,” thecontents of the entirety of which is incorporated by this reference.

The teachings of this invention may also be used in conjunction with anybiological or chemical agent including, but not limited to, a biocide,fungicide, nematacide, herbicide, pesticide, insecticide or combinationof any thereof that may be dispersed in water prior to application. Forinstance, substances used in crop protection which may be dispersed inwater prior to application may be developed by the teachings of thisinvention. A blend of lecithin and a co-surfactant may be prepared andblended with the biological or chemical agent that is required forapplication to produce a stable dispersion in water. In one embodiment,the dispersion may also be dispersed in hard water.

In one embodiment, a composition consists essentially of an acidifier,an emulsifier, a co-surfactant and water.

In another embodiment, a process for producing a product includes mixingan emulsifier with a co-surfactant, thus forming a blend. The blend ismixed with an acidifier and water, thus forming an adjuvant composition.

In a further embodiment, a composition comprises propionic acid, anemulsifier, water and a compound selected from the group consisting oftriglycerides, diglycerides, sugar alcohols, ethoxylated monoglycerides,fatty acid ethoxylates, sorbitan monoester, polyoxyethylene alkylethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, sorbitan alkyl esters,polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters, glycerol esters, short chainfatty alcohols, acids, esters, glycerols, glycols, derivatives of anythereof, and combinations of any thereof.

In one embodiment, a composition includes propionic acid, an emulsifier,a vegetable fatty acid, water and a compound selected from the groupconsisting of sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene ester of rosin,polyoxyethylene dodecyl mono ether, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropyleneblock copolymer, polyoxyethylene monolaurate, polyoxyethylenemonohexadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene monooleate, polyoxyethylenemono(cis-9-octadecenyl)ether, polyoxyethylene monostearate,polyoxyethylene monooctadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene dioleate,polyoxyethylene distearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolauratepolyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate, polyglycerolester of oleic acid, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexastearate,polyoxyethylene monotetradecyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitolhexaoleate, fatty acids, tall-oil, hexaester with sorbitol, ethoxylatedcastor oil, ethoxylated soybean oil, ethoxylated polyoxyethylenesorbitol tetraoleate, fatty acids, mixed esters with glycerol andpolyethylene glycol, alcohols, C9-C16 ethoxylated derivatives of anythereof, and combinations of any thereof.

In yet a further embodiment, a composition includes propionic acid, anemulsifier, a vegetable fatty acid, water and a compound selected fromthe group consisting of sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene ester ofrosin, polyoxyethylene dodecyl mono ether,polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, polyoxyethylenemonolaurate, polyoxyethylene monohexadecyl ether, polyoxyethylenemonooleate, polyoxyethylene mono(cis-9-octadecenyl)ether,polyoxyethylene monostearate, polyoxyethylene monooctadecyl ether,polyoxyethylene dioleate, polyoxyethylene distearate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate,polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan tristearate, polyglycerol ester of oleic acid, polyoxyethylenesorbitol hexastearate, polyoxyethylene monotetradecyl ether,polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate, fatty acids, tall-oil, hexaesterwith sorbitol, ethoxylated castor oil, ethoxylated soybean oil,ethoxylated polyoxyethylene sorbitol tetraoleate, fatty acids, mixedesters with glycerol and polyethylene glycol, alcohols, C9-C16ethoxylated derivatives of any thereof, and combinations of any thereof.

In an additional embodiment, a composition consists essentially ofpropionic acid, an emulsifier, water and a compound selected from thegroup consisting of ethoxylated monoglycerides, fatty acid ethoxylates,sorbitan monoester, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylesters, sorbitan alkyl esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters,propylene glycol, glycerol, glycols derivatives of any thereof, andcombinations of any thereof.

In one embodiment, a composition includes an emulsifier, and anethoxylated monoglyceride, a fatty acid ethoxylate or a combinationthereof. The composition further includes propionic acid and water.

In various embodiments, the emulsifier comprises lecithin. Otherembodiments include the use of the compositions of the present inventionfor dispersing a compound in water.

EXAMPLES

The following non-limiting examples are provided to further describe theinvention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatseveral variations these Examples are possible within the spirit of theinvention.

Example 1

This example describes one embodiment of a method of making AN adjuvantformulation. An adjuvant blend was prepared by mixing YELKIN T brandlecithin (a crude lecithin available from Archer Daniels MidlandCompany, Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 35% by weight; propionic acid(available from Fisher Scientific, Fairlawn, N.J.) in an amount of 35%by weight; vegetable fatty acids in an amount of 3.5% (available fromChemtura, Middlebury, Conn.) by weight of lecithin with fatty acidethoxylate (Ninex MT-610 available from Stepan, Northfield, Ill.,) 10%by weight.

The ingredients were mixed and heated to 50° C. under constant stirringfor between 30 minutes to 60 minutes. 20% water by weight was slowlyadded to the mixture with constant stirring for about one half hour. Thefatty acid ethoxylate used in this example is an agricultural emulsifierand is approved by the EPA as inert ingredient under U.S. EPA §40 CFR180.910, U.S. EPA §21 CFR 176.210, 175.105. A stable microemulsion wasobtained that may be used as an agricultural adjuvant.

Example 2

This example describes one embodiment of a method of making an adjuvantconcentrate formulation. An adjuvant concentrate blend was prepared bymixing YELKIN SS brand lecithin (a bleached, fluidized lecithinavailable from Archer Daniels Midland Company, Decatur, Ill.) in anamount of 35% by weight; and fatty acid ethoxylate (Ninex MT-610available from Stepan, Northfield, Ill.) 10% by weight.

The ingredients were mixed and heated to 50° C. under constant stirringfor between 30 minutes to 60 minutes. 35% propionic acid by weight ofthe mixture (available from Fisher Scientific, Fairlawn, N.J.) wereslowly added followed by 20% water by weight on constant stirring at 50°C. for about one half hour. The fatty acid ethoxylate used in thisexample is a non-APE agricultural emulsifier and is approved by the EPAas inert ingredient under U.S. EPA §40 CFR 180.910, U.S. EPA §21 CFR176.210, 175.105. A stable microemulsion was obtained that may be usedas an agricultural adjuvant.

Example 3

This example describes one embodiment of a method of making an adjuvantconcentrate formulation. An adjuvant concentrate blend was prepared bymixing YELKIN TS brand lecithin (fluidized lecithin available fromArcher Daniels Midland Company, Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 35% byweight; and fatty acid ethoxylate (Ninex MT-610 available from Stepan,Northfield, Ill.) 10% by weight.

The ingredients were mixed and heated to 50° C. under constant stirringfor between 30 minutes to 60 minutes. 35% propionic acid (available fromFisher Scientific, Fairlawn, N.J.) by weight of the mixture were addedslowly followed by 20% water by weight on constant stirring at 50° C.for about one half hour. The fatty acid ethoxylate used in this exampleis a non-APE agricultural emulsifier and is approved by the EPA as inertingredient under U.S. EPA §40 CFR 180.910, U.S. EPA §21 CFR 176.210,175.105. A stable microemulsion was obtained that may be used as anagricultural adjuvant.

Example 4

The composition produced by any of examples 1, 2 or 3 is diluted with anherbicide in water, optionally hard water, to form an emulsioncomprising between 0.1 percent to 1.0 percent by weight of themicroemulsion in water. The microemulsion may be applied in the amountof 0.1 gallons to 2.0 gallons per acre of land area depending upon thebiocide control required.

Example 5

The surface tension of the composition of Example 1 in differentdilution concentrations was determined. The dilution concentrations arelisted in Table 1. The surface tension was measured using a CSC-DuNouyTensiometer (ASTM D1331). The contact angle of a drop of each dilutionon parafilm was measured with a Ramé-Hart Contact Angle Goniometer. Theangle of each drop relative to the surface of the parafilm was measuredat 30, 60 and 90 seconds after formation of the drop.

TABLE 1 Surface Contact Angle on Dilution Tension parafilm, degreesConcentration % dynes/cm 60 secs 90 sec 0.01 45.9 87 87 0.10 41.5 58 550.25 38.8 58 52

The contact angle (CA) is a profile measurement of a drop of liquid incontact with a solid surface. When a surfactant or wetting agent isintroduced into the liquid, the surface tension is reduced and theliquid droplet becomes flatter. The lower the contact angle produced bythe surfactant, the greater the spreading and coverage properties of theliquid including such surfactant. Water has a contact angle of about 93degrees, and a typical surfactant influences the contact angle fromabout 30-45 degrees. The contact angle of a crop oil concentrate ormethylated seed oil is about 58 and the adjuvant composition of thisexample has similar surface wetting properties. Further, the surfacetension data of the adjuvant composition of this example is typical of aconventional wetting agent (i.e., 30-50 dynes/cm).

Example 6

The ability of the composition of Example 1 to function as an adjuvantwith ROUNDUP POWERMAX brand herbicide, available from the MonsantoCompany was determined. In this example, the compositions studied werewater, ROUNDUP POWERMAX brand herbicide and a mixture of ROUNDUPPOWERMAX brand herbicide with the composition of Example 1.

The nozzle used in this example was a Teejet XR8003VS. The compositionswere up made up with tap water at 20° C. Each composition was sprayedthrough the nozzle tip at 40 psi (pounds per square inch) at a height of30 cm (centimeters) above the probe volume of the Aerometrics PDPA lasersystem. The size range of droplets scanned were between 25.7 μm(micrometers)-900.0 μm. The voltage for the photo-multiplier tube (PMT)was set to 325 V (volts). Two types of measurements were made for eachtreatment under the x-y axis intersection point, and a scan down thelength of the long x-axis to yield an overall global sample.

Results of the studies of this example are presented in FIGS. 1-5. Theaverage velocity for the entire spray cloud (m/s) measured using aPDPA-100D system are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The data clearly shows theeffect that the adjuvant composition of this example has on atomizationwherein the adjuvant composition performs in a manner similar toconventional wetting agents. The effect of compositions of this exampleis clearly seen in the number median diameter (NMD), velocity and driftpotential as estimated by percent volume <150 μm. In this example, theadjuvant composition clearly elevated the NMD as compared to water andPOWERMAX brand herbicide, raised the spray cloud velocity and reducedthe spray volume contained in droplets that are <150 μm. The adjuvantcomposition further reduced the relative span as illustrated in FIGS. 3and 4.

The data indicates that the percentage of droplets by volume of theROUNDUP POWERMAX brand herbicide by itself as compared to the herbicidewith the adjuvant composition of the present invention was as follows:for droplets less than <150 μm, the adjuvant composition reduced suchdroplets by a factor of two; and for droplets less than <100 μm, theadjuvant composition reduced such droplets by a factor of 3. Asillustrated in FIG. 5, the droplet spectrum of the air injection nozzleis greatly improved in the presence of the adjuvant composition of thisexample. The data indicates that use of the adjuvant composition willresult in better coverage of the agrochemical of the leaf, betterpenetration of the agrochemical in a canopy, as well as better efficacy,adhesion and retention of the agrochemical to the surface of the leaf.

Example 7

In this example, the effectiveness of the composition of Example 1 as anadjuvant with glyphosate on soybeans was evaluated. This example usedrandomized block testing and was performed in three replications withplot sizes of 10 by 25 feet.

The adjuvant composition of this example is a multifunctional lecithinbased product that improves the performance of agricultural chemicals.The adjuvant composition is a strong acidifier and a goodwetter/spreader at rates of at least one pint per 100 gallons of water.The adjuvant composition of this example has water conditioningproperties and also serves as a drift control agent when applied at arate of one quart per gallon, as well as enabling improved coverage anddeposition of the agricultural chemical with which the adjuvantcomposition is used. Another property of the adjuvant composition ofthis example is that the lecithin contained therein enables theagricultural chemical to penetrate the leaf cuticle and maximizes thepenetration of the agricultural chemical through the waxy layer of thefoliage while maintaining the integrity of the plant's protective waxlayer. This improves the performance of the agricultural chemical whichfunction by penetrating into the plant while greatly reducing burnpotential to the plant.

The results of this example presented in Table 2 indicated that theadjuvant composition applied with glyphosate provided very good weedcontrol and indicated weed kill for foxtail, velvet leaf, commonwaterhemp and common ragweed to be 99%, 99%, 97% and 99%, respectivelyafter 21 days. This example also indicated that the adjuvant compositionwas very safe for soybeans since the percent phytotoxicity wasdetermined to be 5% and 1.7% after 7 and 14 days, respectively, afterapplication, and the percent phytotoxicity was further measured to be 0%at 21 and 28 days after application.

TABLE 2 Efficacy of Post Emergence applied Glyphosate with Lecithinadjuvant blend in Soybeans % % Mean Weed Control Phytotoxicity Daysafter Common Common Crop Application Rates Applicatiotn FoxtailVelvetleaf Waterhemp Ragweed Soybean K Glyphosate Salt 0.75 lbs/acre 786.7 55.0 83.3 82.5 5.0 Lecithin adjuvant blend 1 qt/100 gal 14 99.097.0 97.7 99.0 1.7 21 99.0 97.0 97.7 99.0 0.0 28 99.0 91.7 96.3 99.0 0.0Razor 0.75 lbs/acre 7 85.0 81.7 71.7 80.0 5.0 Exstra 4726 1 qt/100 gal14 99.0 93.3 94.7 97.7 10.0 21 99.0 91.7 91.7 99.0 18.3 28 99.0 93.095.0 98.0 23.0 Weed Species Height at Application Crop: Soybean Faber'sFoxtail 25-30 in Growth Stage: R2 Velvetleaf 26-30 in Height 19-22 inCommon Waterhemp 24-54 in Application Method Foliar Spray Common Ragweed26-34 in

As Table 2 indicates, the adjuvant composition of this example has areduced phytotoxicity effect as compared to the commercially availableadjuvant Razor exstra 4726.

The present invention has been described with reference to certainexemplary embodiments, compositions and uses thereof. However, it willbe recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that varioussubstitutions, modifications or combinations of any of the exemplaryembodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Thus, the invention is not limited by the description ofthe exemplary embodiment, but rather by the appended claims asoriginally filed.

1. A composition comprising: an acidifier; an emulsifier; aco-surfactant; and water.
 2. The composition of claim 1, furthercomprising a compound, wherein upon contact of the composition and thecompound in water, the compound is dispersed in the water.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the acidifier is selected from the groupconsisting propionic acid, methyl acetic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid,fumaric acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid and combinations of anythereof.
 4. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a compoundselected from the group consisting of vegetable fatty acids, soy fattyacids, derivatives of any thereof, and combinations of any thereof. 5.(canceled)
 6. The composition of claim 4, wherein the vegetable fattyacids are selected from the group consisting of butyric acid, caproicacid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmiticacid, stearic acid, arachic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid,hexacosanoic acid, octacosanoic acid, triacontanoic acid andn-dotriacontanoic acid, and those having an odd number of carbon atoms,such as propionic acid, n-valeric acid, enanthic acid, pelargonic acid,hendecanoic acid, tridecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, heptadecanoicacid, nonadecanoic acid, heneicosanoic acid, tricosanoic acid,pentacosanoic acid, heptacosanoic acid, isobutyric acid, isocaproicacid, isocaprylic acid, isocapric acid, isolauric acid,11-methyldodecanoic acid, isomyristic acid, 13-methyl-tetradecanoicacid, isopalmitic acid, 15-methyl-hexadecanoic acid, isostearic acid,17-methyloctadecanoic acid, isoarachic acid, 19-methyl-eicosanoic acid,a-ethyl-hexanoic acid, a-hexyldecanoic acid, a-heptylundecanoic acid,2-decyltetradecanoic acid, 2-undecyltetradecanoic acid,2-decylpentadecanoic acid, 2-undecylpentadecanoic acid, Fine oxocol 1800acid (product of Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.), 6-methyl-octanoicacid, 8-methyl-decanoic acid, 10-methyl-dodecanoic acid,12-methyl-tetradecanoic acid, 14-methyl-hexadecanoic acid,16-methyl-octadecanoic acid, 18-methyl-eicosanoic acid,20-methyl-docosanoic acid, 22-methyl-tetracosanoic acid,24-methyl-hexacosanoic, 26-methyloctacosanoic acid. including 4-decenoicacid, caproleic acid, 4-dodecenoic acid, 5-dodecenoic acid, lauroleicacid, 4-tetradecenoic acid, 5-tetradecenoic acid, 9-tetradecenoic acid,palmitoleic acid, 6-octadecenoic acid, oleic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid,11-octadecenoic acid, 9-eicosenoic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid,cetoleic acid, 13-docosenoic acid, 15-tetracosenoic acid,17-hexacosenoic acid, 6,9,12,15-hexadecatetraenoic acid, linoleic acid,linolenic acid (18:3 n3), gamma linolenic acid (18:3 n6), α-eleostearicacid, gadoleic acid (20:1), α-eleostearic acid, punicic acid,6,9,12,15-octadecatetraenoic acid, parinaric acid,5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid, erucic acid,5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 7,10,13,16,19-docosapentaenoicacid, 4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), α-hydroxylauric acid,α-hydroxymyristic acid, α-hydroxypalmitic acid, α-hydroxystearic acid,ω-hydroxylauric acid, α-hydroxyarachic acid, 9-hydroxy-12-octadecenoicacid, ricinoleic acid, α-hydroxybehenic acid,9-hydroxy-trans-10,12-octadecadienic acid, kamolenic acid, ipurolicacid, 9,10-dihydroxystearic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, oxalic acid,citric acid, phosphoric acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaricacid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacicacid, D,L-malic acid, derivatives of any thereof, and combinations ofany thereof. 7-8. (canceled)
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein theco-surfactant is selected from the group consisting of ethoxylatedmonoglycerides, fatty acid ethoxylates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers,polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, sorbitan alkyl esters, propylene glycol,glycerol, glycols, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters, glycerolesters, derivatives of any thereof and combinations of any thereof. 10.(canceled)
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein: the co-surfactant isselected from the group consisting of ethoxylated monoglycerides, fattyacid ethoxylate and a combination thereof; and the acidifier ispropionic acid.
 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the emulsifieris lecithin.
 13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the acidifier ispropionic acid and the co-surfactant is selected from the groupconsisting of ethoxylated monoglycerides, fatty acid ethoxylates,sorbitan monoester, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylesters, sorbitan alkyl esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters,glycerol esters, short chain fatty alcohols, acids, esters, glycerols,glycols, derivatives of any thereof, and combinations of any thereof,the composition further comprising a compound selected from the groupconsisting of triglycerides, diglycerides, sugar alcohols andcombinations of any thereof.
 14. (canceled)
 15. A process comprising:mixing an emulsifier with a co-surfactant, thus forming a blend; andmixing an acidifier and water with the blend, thus forming an adjuvantcomposition.
 16. The process of claim 15, further comprising a compound,wherein upon contact of the adjuvant composition and the compound inwater, the compound is dispersed in the water.
 17. The process of claim15, wherein the acidifier is selected from the group consisting ofpropionic acid, methyl acetic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, fumaricacid, citric acid, phosphoric acid and combinations of any thereof. 18.The process of claim 15, wherein the acts of mixing are performed at atemperature of at least 25° C. for a time period of at least 30 minutes.19. The process of claim 15, wherein the co-surfactant is selected fromthe group consisting of ethoxylated monoglycerides, fatty acidethoxylates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters,sorbitan alkyl esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters, propyleneglycol, glycerol, glycols glycerol esters, derivatives of any thereof,and combinations of any thereof.
 20. The process of claim 15, furthercomprising mixing a compound selected from the group consisting ofvegetable fatty acids, soy fatty acids, derivatives of any thereof, andcombinations of any thereof with the blend.
 21. The process of claim 15,wherein the emulsifier is selected from the group consisting offluidized lecithins, deoiled lecithins, crude lecithins, and combinationof any thereof.
 22. (canceled)
 23. The process of claim 15, furthercomprising dispersing the adjuvant composition in water at aconcentration of between 0.1 percent to 20 percent by weight. 24.(canceled)
 25. The process of claim 20, wherein the vegetable fattyacids are selected from the group consisting of butyric acid, caproicacid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmiticacid, stearic acid, arachic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid,hexacosanoic acid, octacosanoic acid, triacontanoic acid andn-dotriacontanoic acid, and those having an odd number of carbon atoms,such as propionic acid, n-valeric acid, enanthic acid, pelargonic acid,hendecanoic acid, tridecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, heptadecanoicacid, nonadecanoic acid, heneicosanoic acid, tricosanoic acid,pentacosanoic acid, heptacosanoic acid, isobutyric acid, isocaproicacid, isocaprylic acid, isocapric acid, isolauric acid,11-methyldodecanoic acid, isomyristic acid, 13-methyl-tetradecanoicacid, isopalmitic acid, 15-methyl-hexadecanoic acid, isostearic acid,17-methyloctadecanoic acid, isoarachic acid, 19-methyl-eicosanoic acid,a-ethyl-hexanoic acid, a-hexyldecanoic acid, a-heptylundecanoic acid,2-decyltetradecanoic acid, 2-undecyltetradecanoic acid,2-decylpentadecanoic acid, 2-undecylpentadecanoic acid, Fine oxocol 1800acid (product of Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.), 6-methyl-octanoicacid, 8-methyl-decanoic acid, 10-methyl-dodecanoic acid,12-methyl-tetradecanoic acid, 14-methyl-hexadecanoic acid,16-methyl-octadecanoic acid, 18-methyl-eicosanoic acid,20-methyl-docosanoic acid, 22-methyl-tetracosanoic acid,24-methyl-hexacosanoic, 26-methyloctacosanoic acid. including 4-decenoicacid, caproleic acid, 4-dodecenoic acid, 5-dodecenoic acid, lauroleicacid, 4-tetradecenoic acid, 5-tetradecenoic acid, 9-tetradecenoic acid,palmitoleic acid, 6-octadecenoic acid, oleic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid,11-octadecenoic acid, 9-eicosenoic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid,cetoleic acid, 13-docosenoic acid, 15-tetracosenoic acid,17-hexacosenoic acid, 6,9,12,15-hexadecatetraenoic acid, linoleic acid,linolenic acid (18:3 n3), gamma linolenic acid (18:3 n6), α-eleostearicacid, gadoleic acid (20:1), α-eleostearic acid, punicic acid,6,9,12,15-octadecatetraenoic acid, parinaric acid,5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid, erucic acid,5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 7,10,13,16,19-docosapentaenoicacid, 4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), α-hydroxylauric acid,α-hydroxymyristic acid, α-hydroxypalmitic acid, α-hydroxystearic acid,ω-hydroxylauric acid, α-hydroxyarachic acid, 9-hydroxy-12-octadecenoicacid, ricinoleic acid, α-hydroxybehenic acid,9-hydroxy-trans-10,12-octadecadienic acid, kamolenic acid, ipurolicacid, 9,10-dihydroxystearic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, oxalic acid,citric acid, phosphoric acid; malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaricacid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacicacid, D,L-malic acid, derivatives of any thereof, and combinations ofany thereof.
 26. (canceled)
 27. A composition comprising: propionicacid; an emulsifier; vegetable fatty acids; water; and a compoundselected from the group consisting of sorbitan monostearate,polyoxyethylene ester of rosin, polyoxyethylene dodecyl mono ether,polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, polyoxyethylenemonolaurate, polyoxyethylene monohexadecyl ether, polyoxyethylenemonooleate, polyoxyethylene mono(cis-9-octadecenyl)ether,polyoxyethylene monostearate, polyoxyethylene monooctadecyl ether,polyoxyethylene dioleate, polyoxyethylene distearate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate,polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan tristearate, polyglycerol ester of oleic acid, polyoxyethylenesorbitol hexastearate, polyoxyethylene monotetradecyl ether,polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate, fatty acids, tall-oil, hexaesterwith sorbitol, ethoxylated castor oil, ethoxylated soybean oil,ethoxylated polyoxyethylene sorbitol tetraoleate, fatty acids, mixedesters with glycerol and polyethylene glycol, alcohols, C9-C16ethoxylated derivatives of any thereof, and combinations of any thereof.28. The composition of claim 27, wherein the emulsifier is lecithin.29-44. (canceled)